New Delhi: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 364 metric tonnes (MT) of Pakistan-origin dry dates, valued at around ₹3 crore, after uncovering an alleged attempt to import the banned consignment into India through the UAE.
In an intelligence-led operation at Kandla Port, DRI officers intercepted 13 containers carrying dry dates that were declared as originating from the UAE. Investigations, however, revealed that the goods had actually originated in Pakistan and were routed through Dubai, where they were shifted into different containers before being exported to India.
According to the DRI, the importers allegedly misdeclared the country of origin and suppressed key facts to bypass India’s prohibition on imports from Pakistan. The entire consignment has been seized under the Customs Act, 1962.
The seizure comes days after the DRI intercepted 14 MT of Pakistan-origin guggul resin, worth about ₹1.4 crore, at Tuticorin Port. That consignment had allegedly been falsely declared as natural resin from Somalia and routed through Dubai. Two persons were arrested in connection with the case.
The government prohibited the direct and indirect import of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan with effect from May 2, 2025, under the amended Foreign Trade Policy, 2023. The DRI said the latest seizures underscore its continued efforts to curb customs fraud and illegal cross-border trade.